Public Consultations

World Café method was used to host large group dialogues on the new Library

Halifax Public Libraries has involved as many people as possible in the public consultation process for the new Halifax Central Library.

In addition to five large public meetings, Library staff and architects met with a number of special focus groups to ensure that the library heard the voices of a wide cross-section of customers and citizens. These have included: African Nova Scotians, cultural organizations, persons with disabilities, First Nations, new Canadians, the literacy and learning community, parents and young children, and teens.

Public EngagementWho says public consultations need to be formal? Halifax Public Libraries interacted with citizens during play-full events, such as a talking fence and tree cozies. Read more »

Public Meetings 2008Before the architects could begin, Halifax Public Libraries and its stakeholders had to develop a “building program”, a statement of needs given by the client to the architect. Find out about the building program process and results. Read more »

Public Meetings 2010With a sketch in hand and a notion in their minds, Halifax Public Libraries and the architects took the Building Program to the next level. Five public meetings were held to gather and sort the details of what people need and want. Read more »

Final Public Meeting 2012Architects and library leaders took to the stage to share the results of everyone’s input and hard work. Floor plans, artist renderings of people and spaces, and a 3D video tour brought everything a step closer to reality. Read more »